Membership Spotlight: Crisis of Faith

You’ve all heard the expression “crisis of faith”, right?  Although this idea typically refers to religious ideals or strongly felt preconceptions or beliefs, sometimes it becomes part of our more normal, everyday life.

The other day I had a “crisis of faith” with my dedication to Altrusa.  There’s no need to go into details, let’s just say enough things had not gone the way I hoped and I felt frustrated, disappointed, angry, and just about ready to give up.  I wondered why I was continuing to share my time, my money, and my life on projects that made me feel like I was spinning my wheels.  It was not good.  

I would guess you’ve all had times and feelings like this.  The question is, how to handle this.  I knew I had to figure this out as it would be terribly unproductive to go on the way I was feeling.  My first step was to think of my life without Altrusa.  I have made wonderful friends within our organization, women I would not have met otherwise.  These women are very important to me and I can’t imagine my little word without them.  Once I reminded myself of my Altrusa friendships, I opened myself up to remembering all the other things I love about Altrusa. I thought about how I feel when I know we’ve made a difference, how I feel when we’ve successfully raised money that we know will go to help, or how I feel when we support members of our club during tough times. On any scale, these positives far far outweigh the occasional frustration.

If you’ve had a rough period where your Altrusa faith and dedication are tested try to remember the feelings will pass.  The work we do together is so gratifying and important.  We make a difference, sometimes not exactly the way we plan, but we make a difference nonetheless.  Try to remember how important each of us is to our community and to one another and your dedication will return, I promise.

--Deborah Hecht, 2013-2015 Membership Development Co-Chair

Please let your voice be heard. Write your ideas, and send them to Governor Beth for publishing on “Thoughts From the Mighty Ninth.”